
Announcement
August 8, 2022
Hi Everyone,
I've been on vacation in Alaska for a two weeks. It was a lovely shift from 110 to 65 degrees. We visited with old friends and turned our RV over to our family for their big adventure, driving the Alcan. It was bittersweet to say good-by to our life in the far north. But... good to walk into our Arizona home.
We returned to Alaska to tie up some loose ends. This process involved looking through boxes of molds, masters and pieces I'd discontinued. I found some real gems and will shortly be posting some of them for sale so keep your eyes open, especially on my Facebook page. Please ‘Like’ me (Judie Gumm Designs) on FB and you’ll get my updates.
I'll also continue to post PopUps randomly. These are the 'end of a run' pieces, usually one or two pieces and sold at a deep discount. Keep your eyes on my Facebook page for updates.
I continue to be offer Free First Class USPS postage on orders over $125. Remember.... After your order is shipped you will receive a 10% off coupon
on your next order totaling over $75. (It's call a Thankyou10)
Want to contact me? Leave a message on Etsy or Email judiegummdesigns [!at] gmail.com. I now have a dedicated business phone #520 812 6687. I look forward to hearing from you.
Thanks for your support of my work and for supporting each other.
Best, Judie
Announcement
August 8, 2022
Hi Everyone,
I've been on vacation in Alaska for a two weeks. It was a lovely shift from 110 to 65 degrees. We visited with old friends and turned our RV over to our family for their big adventure, driving the Alcan. It was bittersweet to say good-by to our life in the far north. But... good to walk into our Arizona home.
We returned to Alaska to tie up some loose ends. This process involved looking through boxes of molds, masters and pieces I'd discontinued. I found some real gems and will shortly be posting some of them for sale so keep your eyes open, especially on my Facebook page. Please ‘Like’ me (Judie Gumm Designs) on FB and you’ll get my updates.
I'll also continue to post PopUps randomly. These are the 'end of a run' pieces, usually one or two pieces and sold at a deep discount. Keep your eyes on my Facebook page for updates.
I continue to be offer Free First Class USPS postage on orders over $125. Remember.... After your order is shipped you will receive a 10% off coupon
on your next order totaling over $75. (It's call a Thankyou10)
Want to contact me? Leave a message on Etsy or Email judiegummdesigns [!at] gmail.com. I now have a dedicated business phone #520 812 6687. I look forward to hearing from you.
Thanks for your support of my work and for supporting each other.
Best, Judie
Items
Reviews
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fsdah3 on Apr 13, 2022
5 out of 5 starsSwan Spirit is a gracefully designed, elegant piece of jewelry that I am so proud to wear. I receive compliments every time I wear it.
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Jennifer on Feb 27, 2022
5 out of 5 starsI had been looking for a bear brooch for a while - not a teddy bear! This brooch meets all of my expectations and more! Slightly more bigger than I anticipated but all the more beautiful for it. The craftsmanship is superb and I look forward to wearing it. Delivery was quicker than anticipated, given I live in the UK - just over a week. Would highly recommend!
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Jenna on Jul 6, 2022
5 out of 5 starsI love these, my husband pointed out that I have worn them every day for over 2 months! Comfortable and classy, thanks!
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swanig1 on Jul 2, 2022
5 out of 5 starsBeautiful earrings, and the first pieces I have gotten from your new Arizona collection. I’m delighted as always. Thanks!
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Erin on Jun 27, 2022
5 out of 5 starsWe bought this for our Mama for Mother’s Day and she was so thrilled! When Papa was alive he bought her Judie Gumm jewelry for their anniversary every year - now all of us kids keep an eye out for new pieces! This one was a big hit!
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Judith on May 24, 2022
5 out of 5 starsThe pewter Loon pin is a treasure; artist Judie Gumm’s designs are unique, they highlight her creative vision and her love of nature. I also purchased the incredible sea otter pin. I am very grateful I have found this artist.
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Updates
About JudieGummDesigns
Judie Gumm Designs
Born and raised in upstate New York, Judie was first introduced to the lost wax process of jewelry making in 1969 in Denver, Colorado where she explored her creativity. In 1972, as the single mother of a five year old daughter, Judie relocated to Alaska. While working as a waitress and creating one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces on the side, she attended the University of Alaska where she received her first formal training in metalwork. In 1974, she was recommended by her UAF professors to teach a class in lost wax jewelry for the artist in residence program at Service Hanshew High School in Anchorage, Alaska.
In the early 1980’s, she created the blueberry and cranberry designs out of homesickness while living in Boston, MA. Upon returning to Alaska, a local shop owner recognized the beauty and marketability of her designs and encouraged her to begin a production business. In 1985, she created 30 pieces for her new production line, hired an employee, and began marketing her work through craft and trade shows. From 1985 - 2020 Judie and her husband/partner Richard continued to grow the business selling retail, wholesale and mail order catalogs. They opened a retail store front in Ester, Alaska in 1994. They have hired numerous employees over the years who have helped create the line which, at its peak, were over 400 designs
In 2019 Judie and Richard decided it was time to start slowing down and for the past two years they have pursed that goal. In October 2021, they sold their shop and home in Ester, AK and moved permanently to their new home in Green Valley AZ.
Judie will continue to design... it's in her blood... and continue to showcase her work on Etsy. Her website is now closed. As always, she will strive to continue to create distinctive, high quality, nature inspired jewelry.
Shop members
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Judie Gumm
Owner, Designer
Born in upstate New York, Judie settled in Alaska in 1972. Largely self taught, she has been designing jewelry for 50 years and works almost exclusively with precious metals in the lost wax technique.
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Richard Gumm
Owner, Business Manager
Richard traveled extensively as a child finally ending up in Fairbanks, Alaska in 1967. He graduated from UAA in 1975 and has a Masters in Education from Harvard. He joined the business full time in 1988 as both owner and business manager.
Production partners
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Hutch's Casting Company
Albuquerque, NM
Hutch's Casting Company is a small casting company specializing in silver and bronze lost wax casting. We have been working with them for the past fifteen years.
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Kick 'n Cast Casting
Sedona, AZ
A thoughtful and thorough caster
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Quality Jewelry
Hacienda Heights, CA
Quality Jewelry constructs these necklaces from titanium mesh imported from Italy. The clasp & mesh are very strong and both are hypoallerginic. The mesh is colored using a permanent anodizing process. We crimp the clasp in our studio to make it more secure.
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Quality Jewelry
Hacienda Heights, CA
Quality Jewelry imports the titanium mesh from Italy. They then color it using a permanent anodizing process. The clasps are stainless steel. Both mesh and clasp are hypoallergenic. We crimp the clasps onto the mesh in our shop to make them more secure. The mesh is a tube which makes it more durable
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Snell Casting Company
Grass Valley, CA
Snell Casting Company is a small casting company specializing in silver. We have been working closely with them for the past 20 years.
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Toadland
Albuquerque, NM
We have been partners with Darren and Jennifer at Toadland for many years. They work exclusively with pewter and are true craftsmen.
Shop policies
I recently celebrated my Jubilee - 50 years of Jewelry Designing. From the beginning of my career I have been inspired by the natural world and have worked hard to capture those images. Much of my design life has been centered in Alaska but several years ago the Southwest began calling and I became a snowbird from December - April. And although I tried not to, the desert spoke to me and I started designing down there as well.
I love using the Lost Wax process to create my designs because it's a naturally sculptural medium, easy to carve and also forgiving when I either make a mistake or change my mind. I am particularly drawn to animal and botanical themes and often incorporate whimsical or romantic symbolism (sometimes obvious, sometimes hidden). I am often looking for that perfect bead or stone which compliments the design in a meaningful way.
Jewelry should be well made, durable, and easily wearable. More than an accessory, jewelry is art, which not only brings the wearer beauty but also tells a story through symbolism. My goal is to create heirloom jewelry, handcrafted for a lifetime of enjoyment at an affordable price.
Warm Regards, Judie Gumm
Accepted payment methods
Returns and exchanges
I gladly accept returns, exchanges, and cancellations
The following items can't be returned or exchanged
- Custom or personalized orders
- Items on sale
Returns and exchange details
Payment
If you decide to cancel your order after sending, please Message us or Email judiegummdesigns [!at] gmail.com. It usually takes us a couple of days to process an order.
Shipping
If you are having a item shipped Internationally we still use the USPS. Our tracking # is only good in the USA. Because of Customs, our experience indicates it can take between two to three weeks to reach you.
Additional policies and FAQs
Gallery pieces will be supplied with a pearl folder or other appropriate box. There will be a detailed description, polishing cloth, ziplock bags and anti-tarnish paper.
Our hook earrings all come with rubber ear sleeves. Our post ear-nuts are hypoallergenic titanium. If you lose one earring we will be happy to replace it at half the cost providing we continue to carry that design. Message first or Email with a photo for clarification. judiegummdesigns [!at] gmail.com
All pins come with an "insurance policy" which is a rubber sleeve slipped onto the pin stem once it is attached to the fabric but before the pin catch is closed. This insures the pin will not be lost if the clasp opens.